Hastings Prince Edward Public Health officials are urging parents who have not already done so to get their children a first dose of a COVID vaccine as soon as possible to provide some protection against the virus when they return to school in January.
Acting Medical Officer of Health Dr. Ethan Toumishey says 10 COVID outbreaks have been identified in local schools in the last month, the majority of them in elementary classrooms where children were not yet fully vaccinated.
He adds it is also only a matter of time until the Omicron variant shows up in our region.
With eligibility for booster shots expanding to all individuals 18 and older on Monday, Public Health strongly encourages parents to take advantage of appointments currently available for pediatric vaccines.
- Visit covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ to book an appointment at a community vaccination clinic. 250 appointments for children aged 5-11 are available on Friday, December 17.
- Many pharmacies have doses of pediatric COVID-19 vaccine available. Find a list of pharmacies at covid-19.ontario.ca/vaccine-locations.
HPEPH offers information for parents who want more evidence-based information on vaccines:
- COVID-19 Vaccination for Children and Youth
- FAQ About Vaccine for 5-11 Year Olds
- COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ for Parents of Children and Youth
Or, parents can book a free phone consultation with a nurse at Sick Kids hospital.
